The NHS in Sussex is calling for people to continue to attend booked vaccination appointments, and book your appointment as soon as it is your turn.
It comes after the Government updated the advice about who should receive the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccination yesterday.
As a detailed review takes place into reports of a very rare blood clotting problem affecting a small number of people who have had the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, it has been announced that it is preferable for people under the age of 30 with no underlying health conditions to be offered an alternative vaccine where possible once they are eligible.
The condition remains extremely rare; around four people develop this condition for every million doses of the vaccine doses given.
There appears to be a higher risk in people who have had the first dose of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine and that is why the position has been updated.
People who have already received one vaccination are encouraged to attend their appointment for their second dose, and make sure they receive the full long lasting protection.
The problem can also happen in people who have not been vaccinated and it’s not yet clear why it affects some people.
The COVID-19 vaccine can help stop you getting seriously ill or dying from coronavirus.
People are advised to call 111 immediately if they have received their vaccination and start to get any of these symptoms starting from around 4 days to 4 weeks after being vaccinated:
- a severe headache that is not relieved with painkillers or is getting worse
- a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over
- a headache that’s unusual for you and occurs with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures (fits)
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin
- shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal (tummy) pain
The NHS says the benefits of the vaccination, outweighs any risk and everyone should attend their appointment.
A Government spokesperson said:
“The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is safe, effective and has already saved thousands of lives.
“As the MHRA – the UK’s independent regulator – and the JCVI have said, the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks for the vast majority of adults.
“Everybody who has already had a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine should receive a second dose of the same brand, irrespective of age, except for the very small number of people who experienced blood clots with low platelet counts from their first vaccination.
“The government will follow today’s updated advice, which sets out that, as a precaution, it is preferable for people under the age of 30 with no underlying health conditions to be offered an alternative vaccine where possible once they are eligible.
“When people are called forward, they should get their jab. Vaccines are the best way out of this pandemic and provide strong protection against Covid-19.”
Read more about the latest update and what people should do.
Find out more about the Sussex vaccination programme – www.sussexhealthandcare/get-my-jab
